The Interview

Now that I have applied for the job, they called me for an interview. I will explore the types of clothing I need to wear, how to establish rapport with my interviewer, anticipate the types of questions he/she will ask, and deliver appropriate follow up questions. I want to avoid the common mistakes and above all I do not want to show my nervousness. I will explore some techniques to help me.

What should I wear? The first impression is critical. What you wear and how you look really do matter. I want to look powerful and in control, but not more than the person who is conducting the interview. The first step to try to determine what I will wear will be to research the type of company it is and what is their dress code. There’s a big difference in the dress of those that work in a tool and die company as opposed to IBM. Although most companies have changed to business casual attire for daily wear, being in an interview mandates looking your best. A navy blue or grey suit is always a good choice.

“Effective employment interviewing involves preparation and practice. You must acquire knowledge about yourself, about the job, and the employer in which you are interested”. (Shockley-Zalabak, 2009) Remember that they are looking to learn more about you. Be specific with your answers to personal questions. They are looking to see if you are the right fit for their job.

First impressions are important. You want the interviewer to have a personal connection with you. “Look directly and solidly into the interviewer’s eyes and give them your best smile. Make it warm and friendly”. (College.Grad 2009) If they return the smile you have made the connection. This will also ease some of the tension that you may be feeling at this point. If not, how do you control your nervousness?

Above all being prepared and confident in yourself and knowing that you have the skills they are looking for should help you overcome some of your nervousness. Nervousness stems from the fear of the unknown. We want to do our best and impress the interviewer. We want them to like us. One simple technique is the “Rowboat Technique”. “The Rowboat Technique is a simple contraction of the abdomen in combination with rhythmic breathing that allows you to fully overcome your nervousness in any situation. To understand how to use this technique, sit forward in a chair, arms outstretched, as if you are grabbing oars in a rowboat. Take a deep breath, then slowly pull back your arms and contract the abdominal muscle just below the rib cage. As you continue to let out air, roll the contraction of the muscle downward, just above your pelvic region, centering on your navel. Keep your muscles tight until all of the air has been expelled. Count to three (don’t breathe in yet!), then inhale deeply. Repeat this simple process two or three times and you will find that your body is completely relaxed.” (College.Grad 2009)

Now it’s time for the questions. In interviews I have conducted and have participated in I wanted to know what the resume didn’t tell me. People can write anything on a piece of paper but I’m interested in who they are and if they will fit well into our company.

Some typical questions asked are: Tell me about yourself? What are your biggest strengths that will make you successful in this position, and how have they contributed to your past success? What are some areas you seek self-improvement? Why should you be selected for this position? These kinds of questions let me know what kind of person they are and how they will handle challenges. They may also ask questions about how you will resolve conflict and something that will tell them you are a team player. Working well with others is critical. We spend the majority of our time at our jobs and we need to get along with the people we work with.

So now the interviewer offers you the opportunity to ask questions about the job. This is your opportunity to find out if the job is right for you. Ask them about the position, who will you be working for. Do not inquire about salary. It is inappropriate at this point. After you have been offered the job you can discuss salary. You may want to have written your questions out in advance so you are sure to ask them.

What should you avoid doing in an interview? “Not accurately answering the question. Going off on too many tangents or not directly answering a question can make a job candidate appear to be avoiding an issue or give the impression that they do not listen.” (Derammelaer 2006) Turn a negative into a positive. For example when asked a question about “what are your weaknesses” turn those weakness into strengths and turn that question into a positive attribute about yourself.

When the interview is over it’s your last chance to really sell yourself. Thank the interviewer for the opportunity for the job. Let him/her know that you look forward to hearing from them soon. Smile, shake hands and leave.


References

The Personal Connection Technique. (2009).retrieved Aug 20, 2009 from website:
http://www.collegegrad.com/jobsearch/Mastering-the-Interview/

Shockley-Zalabak, P.S (2009. Fundamentals of organizational communication:
knowledge, sensitivity, skills, values (7th ed.). Boston: Pearson. Education Inc.

Ten common interview mistakes to avoid. (2006. retrieved August 20, 2009, from
Associated Content website:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/23645/ten_common_interview_mistakestoavoid.html